Autoimmune adrenal insufficiency (also known as Addison's disease) is a condition caused by the body's immune system attacking and damaging the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of the kidneys that produce hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones are necessary for the body to function properly.
When the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands, it can cause them to become inflamed and unable to produce the necessary hormones. This can result in a variety of symptoms including fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and darkening of the skin.
Autoimmune adrenal insufficiency is typically caused by an autoimmune disorder such as Addison's disease, but can also be caused by a number of other conditions including polyendocrine deficiency syndrome, adrenoleukodystrophy, and some types of lymphoma and leukemia. Treatment for autoimmune adrenal insufficiency typically involves hormone replacement therapy to replace the hormones the adrenal glands are unable to produce. In some cases, treating the underlying autoimmune disorder may be necessary as well.